Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2014 8:51AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: A very strong ridge of high pressure continues to dominate the weather pattern with no end in sight. Winds amp up a bit on Sunday night and again on Wednesday.Monday: Sky: Cloudy; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, NETuesday: Sky: Mix Sun/Cloud; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, EWednesday: Sky: Mix Sun/Cloud; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light E/NE, Mod E/SE at ridgetop.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity on Thursday/Friday/Saturday was limited to minor sluffing from steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

The upper and mid-snowpack are generally well consolidated and layers are well bonded. In most areas, a widespread weak layer is now buried by up to 10cm of new snow but has not yet become a problem. This weak layer consists of large surface hoar (widespread in most sheltered and shaded areas at all elevations), a sun crust on open south facing slopes, facet grains (in colder areas or areas with a thinner snowpack), or a combination of any of the above. This layer is not yet a concern but is expected to become a problem in the future when we finally get more snowfall. A facet/cust weakness near the bottom of the snowpack has recently become inactive but remains a concern. The depth of this layer makes triggering an avalanche unlikely but the consequences would be large, destructive avalanches.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Increased ridgetop winds Sunday night will likely form sensitive, albeit small wind slabs that are primarily a concern on steep alpine features.

Carefully consider the impact a thin wind slab will have on your proposed line, especially in high consequence terrain. Have a backup line in mind in case you need to seek more sheltered riding.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Thursdays light density snow will likely continue to produce active sluffing, especially in steep terrain.

On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.>Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2014 2:00PM